FALLing Forward

Lately I've been finding myself moping around and down in the dumps about finding a job/building a career...perhaps it's the cloudy weather or my shrouded, dim perspective on my circumstances...so I've decided to self-address this post as a "pick me up" / self-motivator.

Autumn is my favorite season. I love the crisp thin air that greets me in the morning. Bundling up in layers of scarves and knits despite living in SoCal...okay not really, but I like the thought of it. But if I'm being honest, we complain when it rains and the temperature drops down to 60 degrees. I love the hues that marvelously adorn the tree tops and decorate streets. It's refreshing to see a change in color...vibrant leaves against a plain, cloudy sky and a graying, weathered pavement. I love the thought of how the festivities are just around the corner...filled with gatherings, good cheer, warm food and drink.

I think this time of year is a good time to start reflecting on the springs and summer of life. To slow down the pace and prepare myself for the coming winter months, perhaps months of stagnation and "little to no signs of growth." These past few months have been quite a whirlwind of having high expectations and positive hope for what the future would look like but being met with many doors being slammed in my face, emptiness, discontentment, discouragement, insecurities...but I'm starting to reach a point where I can be thankful for these challenges that continually humble me and give me the opportunity to face my fears and shortcomings that I didn't know I would struggle with. I am trying learn how to deal with rejection. I think turning negatives around into a positive lesson will be the best thing I can take away from unemployment. Being more perceptive about the good that is in my life...and seeing and being thankful for the blessings I had been overlooking because I was so focused on what I did not or could not achieve. Developing resilience and motivation to still DO SOMETHING when it seems like there is NOTHING that I can do. I am still a work in progress and I will continue to be the rest of my life. I want to embrace that and live joyfully in every season of life.

And to remember, in any season of life, even the smallest joys and ice cream can bring smiles, warmth, good vibes and good company. Mind over matter.